Nucleic Acid Delivery

The delivery of nucleic acid vaccines and therapeutics, such as mRNA and DNA, represents a new approach to treating and preventing diseases. However, significant challenges remain in effectively delivering these molecules to their target cells. Current nanocarriers, like lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), have enabled the success of mRNA vaccines but face limitations such as liver accumulation, immune reactivity, and difficulty crossing certain biological barriers.

Additionally, many nucleic acid therapies require cold-chain storage and complex manufacturing, which can limit accessibility and scalability. There’s a pressing need for better nanocarriers that can improve stability, enhance targeted delivery, and reduce side effects. Addressing these unmet needs could unlock the full potential of nucleic acid therapeutics, enabling treatments for a wider range of diseases, from cancer to genetic disorders, while improving patient outcomes and accessibility.

Nucleic Acid Delivery

Our peptide nanocarriers (PNPs) are designed to address key challenges in delivering nucleic acid vaccines and therapeutics, providing a potentially safer, more efficient, and accessible approach. Here’s how:

  • Self-Assembling and Biocompatible: PNPs are designed for ease of handling and compatibility with biological systems.
  • Non-Toxic and Non-Immunogenic: For vaccines, PNPs are designed to minimize cell toxicity and injection site reactions. For therapeutics, they aim to reduce immune responses, even with repeated dosing.
  • Simple Manufacturing: No specialized equipment is needed to combine PNPs with nucleic acid constructs, streamlining production.
  • Shelf-Stable Formulations: PNPs make nucleic acids stable at room temperature, eliminating the need for expensive cold-chain storage and distribution.

By addressing these critical challenges, Phoreus PNPs are helping advance more effective, patient-friendly, and globally accessible nucleic acid vaccines and therapies.

Technology Description

Branched Amphipathic Peptide Capsules (BAPC®) represent a novel class of nanocarriers engineered from two naturally occurring peptides found in the human heart channel. Currently under development, BAPC® is being explored as a potential delivery vehicle for small molecules and nucleic acids, with the aim of addressing some of the absorption challenges associated with existing nanodelivery systems.

Early research suggests that BAPC® may support the enhanced delivery of various therapeutic and diagnostic applications, including vaccines, cancer therapies, alternative antibiotics, and biopesticides. Its unique surface structure is designed to allow for the attachment of targeting moieties, which could help direct active ingredients to specific cells.

Additionally, preliminary findings indicate that BAPC® demonstrates low cytotoxicity at doses exceeding clinically relevant thresholds in various cell and model systems, including cultured cells, fungi, insects, nematodes, plants, and mice. Its adaptable nature may facilitate the transition from in vitro research to in vivo applications, paving the way for further exploration into its potential uses.